Tuesday, April 22, 7:08 PM on WCIU, FSDT

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Chicago - Sale, C (3-0) vs. Detroit - Verlander, J (2-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Chris Sale (3-0) might find himself on the mound starting for the A.L in this year's All-Star game if he keeps pitching like he has so far in 2014. A victory over 2012 starter Justin Verlander (2-1) and the Tigers would go a long way in solidifying that spot. Sale took a no-hitter into the 6th inning his last time out against Boston, finishing up with a 1-hitter in 7 innings of work while striking out 10. He also has 8 shutout innings against the Royals on his 2014 resume that sees an ERA of just 2.30.

Sale threw 127 pitches in his last outing but fatigue shouldn't be a factor if he continues the mastery shown against Detroit in 2013. The left-hander was 3-1 with a 1.83 ERA in 5 starts including a complete game on August 12th. In two September starts against Detroit last season Sale gave up a lone run over 15.2 IP, although Victor Martinez is 12 for 22 (.545) lifetime and Miguel Cabrera has 2 career HR against him.

Verlander showed some control problems the last time out as he walked 4 and threw 113 pitches, having to come out in the 5th inning against Cleveland. Still, Verlander didn't allow a run and the Tigers went on to win 7-5 to give the pitcher his second win of the year. In 4 starts Verlander hasn't allowed more than 2 runs in each and sports a 2.08 season ERA.

Verlander faces a test against the improved Chicago lineup given the fact that he struggled against what many consider an inferior team last season. The pitcher's last two starts against the Sox came in July, where he scattered 22 hits and 8 runs in 13 innings including HR's to Adam Dunn, Dayan Viciedo, and Tyler Flowers. Chicago has 12 HR in 240 career AB's against Verlander but sports just a .217 combined batting average.

Chicago Betting Trends

Chicago is 12-6-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago is 0.0

Detroit Betting Trends

Detroit is 6-8-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit is +0.1

Injuries to Watch

Chicago

04/20/14 LF Adam Eaton Hamstring out indefinitely
04/19/14 P Felipe Paulino Shoulder 15-day DL (4/19)
04/10/14 RF Avisail Garcia Shoulder 15-day DL (4/9); out for season
04/04/14 P Nate Jones Hip 15-day DL (4/4)
03/30/14 2B Gordon Beckham Oblique 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 2B Jeff Keppinger Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)

Detroit

03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 15-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29)

Josh's Pick: Take Detroit

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